Chappaqua Businessman Pleads In Tax Evasion Case

CHAPPAQUA, NY — A Chappaqua businessman will be paying $395,745 to the Internal Revenue Service as restitution for evading taxes from 2010-14. Antonio Nikc managed a number of family businesses that operate large rental buildings in New York and Connecticut, prosecutors said, and treated their bank accounts as a slush fund for luxury personal expenses.

Nikc used money from those businesses to pay for more than $1.5 million in personal expenses, including ocean-side condominiums in Miami, marina fees for a boat docked in Miami, airline tickets, luxury car payments, college tuition and allowances for his children, and purchases at jewelry stores, clothing stores, and restaurants.

However, he failed to file any personal federal income tax returns and failed to pay any taxes due and owing on the income he received. In fact, he took steps to evade the assessment of taxes on that income, including paying for personal expenses out of the family business accounts and intentionally maintaining few assets in his own name.

By the time the feds caught up, he had evaded $395,745 in federal income taxes, prosecutors said.

"While using the business accounts to fund his extravagant lifestyle, Nikc failed to file any personal income tax returns," U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said in announcing the plea. "Now Nikc awaits sentencing for his crime."

On Tuesday, the 58-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence will be determined by the judge. He is scheduled to be sentenced June 5 by U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román.

IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen said: "Our tax system is based on voluntary compliance and we will hold those accountable who fail to report their income out of greed. IRS-CI special agents will continue to pursue those who take advantage of our tax system."

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Ligtenberg is in charge of the prosecution.